Tag: coffee

It’s that time of yearrrrrr. It’s officially October, my birthday is this week, AND it’s pumpkin season. I think I like pumpkin things so much since I already have an innate affinity for cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves (and ginger and allspice I suppose). I’ve been meaning to try my own Pumpkin Spice Creamer, but I would’ve never thought to make it with coconut milk because I would’ve thought the coconut to be overpowering. Well, it’s not and Amanda at Running with Spoons is genius. Plus, it’s paleo, dairy-free and refined sugar free since it uses dates to naturally sweeten. This creamer pairs well with a cinnamon coffee or try it plain. It adds the flavor, but I will added half my usual serving of plain cream to my coffee to cut the bitterness. So easy and a sure way to use up some pumpkin purée.

I recently ordered a cold brew infuser from Amazon. Over 1,300 people recommended it and it has not disappointed. The coffee is strong and perfectly cold brewed. Plus, it’s easy to use and store. I’ve made this coffee smoothie before using chilled coffee brewed in a traditional way. Using cold brew was so much better; it’s stronger, darker and maintains that classic bitter coffee taste in this Healthy Coffee Frappuccino. At Starbucks, the Grande (16 oz) Coffee or Coffee Light Frappuccinos contains 23-50 g of sugar (whaaaaat!?). This version is naturally sweetened with frozen bananas and a dash of agave. It’s frosty, tasty and satisfies your iced coffee cravings!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Ok, happy St. Patty’s plus three weeks, but who’s counting? I made this for brunch that Sunday of the Southie parade. I wanted something cheaper (!), less processed and just overall healthier than traditional Bailey’s Irish Cream. Purchasing alcohol in Beacon Hill is effing pricey. Excluding the small amount of bourbon used, this was about $5ish to make after buying coconut milk and using pantry staples. Plus, it’s about 90 calories per 1.5 oz shot compared to Bailey’s 150 calories. Winning! That’s basically a two-for-one deal.* A little thinner consistency when mixed with coffee, but this Homemade Irish Cream has great flavor, still a kick and a take on your traditional Irish cream. Cheers!

* Note: I’m not encouraging to get over-served on a thirsty Thursday, but more to be cognizant of your indulgences.

Happy FriYAY!! Guys, I loved the Copycat Starbucks Iced Coconut Milk Macchiato version so much I decided to make a cinnamon version. The timing was a bit ironic since Starbucks literally released the exact same version. I can honestly say I haven’t tried the Starbucks version, but mine is still pretty damn good. I brewed Starbucks cinnamon dolce coffee and used an almond milk base since that’s what I usually have in my fridge. Almond milk has a “thinner” consistency than coconut milk, so the macchiato just has a different depth, but all the flavors. I dusted the layers with cinnamon sugar from my trusty cinnamon sugar bear. Excuse me while I go sip on my Cinnamon Dolce Almond Milk Macchiato.

I’ve always wanted to make a coconut milk latte. I’ve been saving some coconut milk for that random occasion. This latte was super mild and the perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up during the snow flurries today. To add to that, Alex, my roommate last year from Cornell, sent me a care package back in the fall of things from the Ithaca Farmer’s Market — my favorite place. In her package, she tossed in vanilla chai tea, and it’s absolutely delicious. It’s spiced, but not too spiced with just the right amount of vanilla. That tea paired with the coconut milk was just beckoning to be used. I made this two ways: one with coffee (on the top) and one with tea (on the bottom). Choose whichever you like, but enjoy sipping on a cup of Coconut Milk Chai Tea Latte to warm up on a cold afternoon.

I’ve been a wee bit tired of water or seltzer, my two go-to’s, when I’m in need of some hydration. Why not make my drinks interesting? My apartment has three ice cube trays, and we don’t need three at all — one is always left abandoned. I usually make my iced coffee “iced” by just throwing in some ice cubes, but as my friend, Laura, aptly pointed out, “What do you do when your coffee’s watered down?” Well, I suppose I just drink my now-watery coffee and suffer in silence. As it’s all over Pinterest, why not freeze my coffee ahead of time? Why not “dress-up” my plain water with some lemon and mint ice cubes? Both of these options are extremely simple, but require some planning (i.e. allowing time to freeze). So don’t leave your unused ice cube trays abandoned in the freezer. Put them to some good use and jazz them up!